Friends call him “Maradona” and Chinese media have dubbed him “Soccer Nut” – Zhao Chongshan is 63 but he still plays football three times a week and has no plans to hang up his boots.

Zhao looks like any other doting grandfather with his gentle manner and warm smile, but he is something of a celebrity in China’s eastern province of Zhejiang because of his enduring fitness and undying love for football.

Zhao’s strong legs and broad shoulders hint at the professional player that he once was, even if he is carrying a little bit of bulk around his waist these days.

“I will keep playing as long as I can, I feel I have no problem playing three games per week now,” he said.

“One of my motivations is that this is my hobby and I like it. Another is that I hope I can be a role model for the younger generation.”